Year 12 Externals

General

The following is from the report written by the head marker of 2012 NCEA Mathematics Level 2

Candidates who persisted throughout the papers were well rewarded for their efforts.

The use of a Graphics Calculator was not essential but definitely assisted candidates in
this assessment.

It is important that students show evidence (working) at all levels so that full or partial
credit can be awarded, particularly when incorrect rounding has occurred or final answers
have not been correctly presented for the context of the question.

Guess and check methods are not appropriate for demonstrating the required level of skills
required.

The papers highlighted the need for students to be prepared in all areas of learning
determined by the Achievement Standard as a lack of learning or understanding in one or
more areas compromised the final result.

Candidates should write answers to a suitable degree of accuracy.

Lack of appropriate number and algebra skills often let candidates down. Candidates who
were able to draw on mathematical skills at lower levels were at an advantage.